The first step is to find out who your biological parents are. This can be done in several ways. For some, it might be as simple as asking your adoptive parents. For those who are involved in closed or international adoptions, it is a little more difficult. 

Obtaining an original copy of your birth certificate can sometimes give you the information you’re looking for. Another option is to contact the agency that handled your adoption and inform them that you’re interested in finding your biological parents. Often times, government agencies, while generally the surest source of information, are tight-lipped when it comes to closed adoptions. Many times they will not release any information unless both parties have contacted the right agency requesting information. Additionally, they will not inform one party of the other’s interest in reunification.

Social media groups dedicated to reconnecting biological parents to their children are all over. People have also often turned to the mainstream media, private detectives, DNA services, and social media sharing campaigns to help them find their birth parents. 

Once the identity of your biological parents has been determined, then the real search begins. General search engines can be a great place to start. Be as specific as possible in your search including as many details as you have. Name, age, hometown, etc. The more details you search, the more successful your search will be.

Social media searches can also be successful if you use the same tips. Be very specific and use as many details as you can obtain to narrow your search and increase your chances of finding the individuals you’re looking for.

Be patient and thorough in your search. The lead you’re looking for might come in a way you’re not expecting. Finding your biological parents is a life-altering event that will forever affect the way you see yourself and those around you. Good luck in your search!

Want to find your biological parents? Start today by registering on Adoption.com’s Reunion Registry which has been in operation for 20 years and contains hundreds of thousands of records. Click here to get started!

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1. Original Birth Certificate

Get a copy of your original birth certificate if you haven’t already done so. You can request a copy by contacting the state or country of your birth. Though it varies from state to state, most require at least two forms of identification and a fee to receive a copy of your original birth certificate. The names of your birth parents should be listed on it.

2. Utilize the Internet and Social Media

Once you have the name of your birth parent, there are many ways to go about finding them. One of the most obvious ways is to simply run an internet search on their name. Be sure to have as much information at your disposal including the year they were born to ensure your search is successful.

Searching online can be helpful compared to Social Media searches due to the fact that most often official documents will be pulled with your name search. Documents including birth certificates, death certificates, criminal records, and even whitepages entries as well as social media accounts. Online searches are a great first step on your journey to learn about your birth parents.

Social media sites are another great resource to find your birth parents. There are even groups that exist solely for the purpose of connecting birth parents and adoptees. These can be a great resource for you.

While searching on social media websites, keep in mind that since they are not officiated by the government, it may be tricky to find the person you are looking for. For example, you may be searching for someone by the name of Rebecca Johnson, based on the information you’ve acquired. However, perhaps she has married and has an account under the name Rebecca Smith with no mention of her maiden name. Maybe she set up her account under the name Becca Johnson instead. All these factors play an important part in your search, so keep it in mind and collect as many details as you can prior to your search to assist with finding the people you are looking for.

3. Hire Professional Help

There is always the option of hiring a private investigator to assist in your search. These professionals can be a great resource due to their vast networks and experience as well as alleviating your stress by taking on the most difficult parts of the search for you. Do your research, and do your best to hire an investigator with experience in finding birth or estranged parents.

4. DNA Testing

Another option is to submit to a DNA test through one of the many companies offering them. These tests are useful in determining your origins and in some cases, can lead to connections between families. The price of these kits vary from company to company, but can be a very helpful resource while searching for your birth parent/s. 

5. Registries

You may also want to consider putting your name and any identifying information you have about you or your birth parents in an online registry. You can put your information in the largest adoption registry here.

Be patient in your search, and expect a few stumbles here and there. Finding your birth parent/s will be an exciting journey for all involved. Though it may seem impossible at first, there are resources out there waiting for you to take advantage and make reconnecting with your birth parents possible.

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Research the current laws and processes in place for the state or country you are requesting documents for. In the past, many states have had strict regulations regarding giving out copies of original birth certificates, particularly when involving closed adoptions. However, in recent years, many state legislatures have become more lenient about opening more closed adoptions and making it easier for adoptees interesting in reuniting with their birth parent/s to get access to the information they need.

Most states require two forms of identification. These include but are not limited to: social security cards, driver’s licenses, and state IDs. Many states also require a fee that varies from place to place in order to obtain a copy of an original birth certificate. Once the identity of the adoptee has been confirmed and the payment has been received, they will send you a copy of your original birth certificate.

For international adoptions, the process is quite similar however, you will be working with the government of your birth place as opposed to the government in the country where you live. Depending on what country you are attempting the obtain documents from, the laws as well as quality of record keeping will vary. Following established procedure as accurately as you can will make the process smoother and quicker.

There are also sites where others have scanned important documents into their databases for safe keeping and others to find missing or lost documents. Some charge a fee to access their records, others do not. These sites can be helpful if you are unable to obtain your original birth certificate through traditional means.

The process to get a copy of an original birth certificate can be laborious, however, it is a great first step in learning about your birth family and eventual reunification. Study up on the state or country you need your certificate from, and follow the established protocol to obtain your documents as quickly and easily as possible.

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